What You Need to Know About Dental Malpractice in Maryland
Dental malpractice cases fall under the same umbrella as other medical malpractice and, as such, are governed by the same laws. Dentists, oral surgeons, endodontists, orthodontists, and even dental hygienists are treated much like doctors and nurses in the eyes of the law. Therefore, if you receive dental treatment that fails to uphold the standard of care, you may be interested in bringing a dental malpractice lawsuit to court.
Types of Dental Malpractice
Like incidents of medical malpractice, dental malpractice can yield some severe injuries. These can result from misdiagnosis, poor training, poor technique, failing to refer a patient to an appropriate specialist, or sloppiness in preparation. Some of the most common injuries that result from dental malpractice include:
- Loss of taste
- Numbness
- Severe pain
- Nerve damage
- Broken or lost teeth
- Unnecessary extraction
- Infection
- Fractured jaw
- Transmission of infectious diseases
- Wrongful death
Statute of Limitations
As is the case with medical malpractice, dental malpractice has a statute of limitations. In Maryland, a dental malpractice case must be filed within 3 years from discovering the injury and tying it to a negligent dental act, but no more than 5 years even if the malpractice could not have been discovered earlier than that.
Damages
Victims of dental malpractice are able to seek compensation for pain and suffering caused by the injury in addition to any past and future dental or medical expenses associated with it. Receiving compensation for pain and suffering is particularly important for those suffering from injuries that have either little to no chance of recovery, such as a nerve injury.
Columbia Dental Malpractice Attorney
At The Law Offices of Fred B. Goldberg, we have successfully represented clients who have been victimized by all forms of dental malpractice. Our firm has obtained verdicts and settlements totaling millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Lead attorney Fred Goldberg’s father was a dentist and his mother was a dental chair assistant, giving him a uniquely close perspective of dentistry. He will use his experience to your advantage.
Call us today at (410) 844-5221 for a free consultation.